Chapter: 857

Bethany tensed up, her reaction alone telling him everything he needed to know.

She desperately wanted to ask when he started suspecting her, convinced she had concealed it perfectly.

Silence hung between them until Jonathan broke it. “Was it Maddie? I can bring her here, and you can deal with her however you see fit."

"No," Bethany finally replied, her voice steady. "There's no need for that. I can handle things on my own."

"Don't worry about my mother. I'll talk to her about it."

Jonathan was determined to have things his way, confident in his success.

Francine wouldn't jeopardize their relationship over Maddie, especially since Maddie had once hurt him, significantly lowering her standing in Francine's eyes.

“I really don't need your help. Just stay out of this, Jonathan.”

As Bethany turned to leave, Jonathan caught her arm, pulling her back.

“I have nothing to do with Maddie."

“I know!"

She didn't harbor any doubts about his involvement with Maddie anymore.

“Bethany."

"I'm just really tired. Let's go back and rest, okay?" Bethany offered Jonathan a smile, her expression softening as she sought to shift away from the conversation. “Jonathan, I can't just throw accusations around without solid proof. It wouldn't be right to use your influence to target Maddie unfairly."

She was adamant about seeking the truth, determined to ensure fairness and impartiality.

Bethany was fully aware that Jonathan wouldn't hesitate to take Maddie's life if she requested it. Yet, that wasn't her goal.

Had she desired retribution, Bethany would sought Maddie and Francine out years earlier, taking them down with her rather than searching for evidence.

“Allow me to help you gather the evidence."

“Thanks, Jonathan, but I'd rather handle this on my own," Bethany replied, wary that once evidence was found, he would refuse to hand it over.

Meanwhile, Aimee found herself forcibly taken to Nikolas' home, with no chance to argue.

She was convinced that Nikolas, who evidently lacked respect for others, would coerce her into something yet again.

However, to her surprise, he simply locked the door and confiscated her phone.

"What do you want from me? I need to get home," she protested.

“Don't lie to me. Your parents are probably asleep by now. They have no idea you're out with a guy."